Acyclic and cyclic amine derivatives

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to acyclic and cyclic amine derivatives for treating or preventing neuronal damage associated with neurological diseases. The invention also provides compositions comprising the compounds of the present invention and methods of utilizing those compositions for treating or preventing neuronal damage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending International Patent Application PCT/US00/20491, filed Jul. 27, 2000, which claims priority of United States provisional application 60/146,582, which was filed Jul. 30, 1999.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to acyclic and cyclic amine derivatives for treating or preventing neuronal damage associated with neurological diseases. The invention also provides compositions comprising the compounds of the present invention and methods of utilizing those compositions for treating or preventing neuronal damage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Neurological diseases are associated with the death of or injury to neuronal cells. Typical treatment of neurological diseases involves drugs capable of inhibiting neuronal cell death. A more recent approach involves the promotion of nerve regeneration by promoting neuronal growth.

[0004] Neuronal growth, which is critical for the survival of neurons, is stimulated in vitro by nerve growth factors (NGF). For example, Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) demonstrates neurotrophic activity both, in vivo and in vitro, and is currently being investigated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Insulin and insulin-like growth factors have been shown to stimulate growth of neurites in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and in cultured sympathetic and sensory neurons [Recio-Pinto et al., J. Neurosci., 6, pp. 1211-1219 (1986)]. Insulin and insulin-like growth factors also stimulate the regeneration of injured motor nerves in vivo and in vitro [Near et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., pp. 89, 11716-11720 (1992); and Edbladh et al., Brain Res., 641, pp. 76-82 (1994)]. Similarly, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) stimulates neural proliferation [D. Gospodarowicz et al., Cell Differ., 19, p. 1 (1986)] and growth [M. A. Walter et al., Lymphokine Cytokine Res., 12, p. 135 (1993)].

[0005] There are, however, several disadvantages associated with the use of nerve growth factors for treating neurological diseases. They do not readily cross the blood-brain barrier. They are unstable in plasma and they have poor drug delivery properties.

[0006] Recently, small molecules have been shown to stimulate neurite outgrowth in vivo. In individuals suffering from a neurological disease, this stimulation of neuronal growth protects neurons from further degeneration, and accelerates the regeneration of nerve cells. For example, estrogen has been shown to promote the growth of axons and dendrites, which are neurites sent out by nerve cells to communicate with each other in a developing or injured adult brain [(C. Dominique Toran-Allerand et al., J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol., 56, pp. 169-78 (1996); and B. S. McEwen et al., Brain Res. Dev. Brain. Res., 87, pp. 91-95 (1995)]. The progress of Alzheimer's disease is slowed in women who take estrogen. Estrogen is hypothesized to complement NGF and other neurotrophins and thereby help neurons differentiate and survive.

[0007] Other target sites for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease are the immunophilin class of proteins. Immunophilins are a family of soluble proteins that mediate the actions of immunosuppressant drugs such as cyclosporin A, FK506 and rapamycin. Of particular interest is the 12 kDa immunophilin, FK-506 binding protein (FKBP12). FKBP12 binds FK-506 and rapamycin, leading to an inhibition of T-cell activation and proliferation. Interestingly, the mechanism of action of FK-506 and rapamycin are different. For a review, see, S. H. Solomon et al., Nature Med., 1, pp. 32-37 (1995). It has been reported that compounds with an affinity for FKBP12 that inhibit that protein's rotomase activity possess nerve growth stimulatory activity. [Lyons et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 91, pp. 3191-3195 (1994)]. Many of these such compounds also have immunosuppressive activity.

[0008] FK506 (Tacrolimus) has been demonstrated to act synergistically with NGF in stimulating neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells as well as sensory ganglia [Lyons et al. (1994)]. This compound has also been shown to be neuroprotective in focal cerebral ischemia [J. Sharkey and S. P. Butcher, Nature, 371, pp. 336-339 (1994)] and to increase the rate of axonal regeneration in injured sciatic nerve [B. Gold et al., J. Neurosci., 15, pp. 7509-16 (1995)].

[0009] The use of immunosuppressive compounds, however, has drawbacks in that prolonged treatment with these compounds can cause nephrotoxicity [Kopp et al., J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., 1, p. 162 (1991)], neurological deficits [P. C. DeGroen et al., N. Eng. J. Med., 317, p. 861 (1987)] and vascular hypertension [Kahan et al., N. Eng. J. Med., 321, p. 1725 (1989)].

[0010] More recently, sub-classes of FKBP binding compounds which inhibit rotomase activity, but which purportedly lack immunosuppressive function have been disclosed for use in stimulating nerve growth [see, U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,547; WO 96/40633; WO 96/40140; WO 97/16190; J. P. Steiner et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 94, pp. 2019-23 (1997); and G. S. Hamilton et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 7, pp. 1785-90 (1997)].

[0011] Stimulation of neural axons in nerve cells by piperidine derivatives is described in WO 96/41609. Clinical use of the piperidine and pyrrolidine derivatives known so far for stimulating axonal growth has not been promising, as the compounds are unstable in plasma and do not pass the blood-brain barrier in adequate amounts.

[0012] Though a wide variety of neurological degenerative diseases may be treated by promoting repair of neuronal damage, there are relatively few agents known to possess these properties. Thus, there remains a need for new compounds and compositions that have the ability to either prevent or treat neuronal damage associated with neuropathologic disorders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The invention provides compounds of formula

[0014] and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, wherein:

[0015] X is selected from —CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —C(OH)CH₂—, —CH₂C(OH)—, ═C(F)CH₂—, —C(F)═CH₂—, —NHC(O)—, —P(O)(OH)CH₂—, —CH₂S(O)₂—, —C(S)NR¹—, —C(O)CH₂CH(OH)—, —C(OH)CF₂—, —C(O)CF₂—, —CH(F)CH₂—, —C(F)₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH(F)—, —CH₂C(F)₂—

[0016] A, B and R¹ are independently E, (C₁-C₁₀)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, or (C₅-C₇)-cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl; wherein 1 or 2 hydrogen atoms in said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl are optionally and independently replaced with E, (C₅-C₇)-cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl; and wherein 1 to 2 of the —CH₂— groups in said alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl groups is optionally and independently replaced by —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, ═N—, —N═ or —N(R³)—;

[0017] or, B and R¹ are independently hydrogen;

[0018] R³ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₄)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₃-C₄)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, or (C₁-C₄) bridging alkyl, wherein a bridge is formed between the nitrogen atom to which said R³ is bound and any carbon atom of said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl to form a ring, and wherein said ring is optionally benzofused;

[0019] E is a saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, or aromatic monocyclic or bicyclic ring system, wherein each ring comprises 5 to 7 ring atoms independently selected from C, N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; and wherein no more than 4 ring atoms are selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂;

[0020] wherein 1 to 4 hydrogen atoms in E are optionally and independently replaced with halogen, hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl, nitro, SO₃H, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl, O—[(C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl], O—[(C₃-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl], (CH₂)_(n)—N(R⁴)(R⁵), (CH₂)_(n)—NH(R⁴)—(CH₂)_(n)—Z, (CH₂)_(n)—N(R⁴—(CH₂)_(n)—Z)(R⁵—(CH₂)_(n)—Z), (CH₂)_(n)—Z, O—(CH₂)_(n)—Z, (CH₂)_(n)—O—Z, S—(CH₂)_(n)—Z, CH═CH—Z, 1,2-methylenedioxy, C(O)OH, C(O)O—[(C₁C₆)-straight or branched alkyl], C(O)O—(CH₂)_(n)—Z or C(O)—N(R⁴)(R⁵);

[0021] each of R⁴ and R⁵ are independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₃-C₅)-straight or branched alkenyl, or wherein R⁴ and R⁵, when bound to the same nitrogen atom, are taken together with the nitrogen atom to form a 5 or 6 membered ring, wherein said ring optionally contains 1 to 3 additional heteroatoms independently selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; wherein said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups in R₄ and R₅ are optionally substituted with Z.

[0022] each n is independently 0 to 4;

[0023] each Z is independently selected from a saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, monocyclic or bicyclic ring system, wherein each ring comprises 5 to 7 ring atoms independently selected from C, N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; and wherein no more than 4 ring atoms are selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂;

[0024] wherein 1 to 4 hydrogen atoms in Z are optionally and independently replaced with halo, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, C(O)OH, (C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl, O—(C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl, C(O)O—[(C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl], amino, NH[(C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl], or N—[(C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl]₂;

[0025] J is H, methyl, ethyl or benzyl;

[0026] K and K¹ are independently selected from (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, or cyclohexylmethyl, wherein 1 to 2 hydrogen atoms in said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl is optionally and independently replaced with E;

[0027] wherein K and K¹ are independently and optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents selected from halogen, OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, O—(CH₂)n-Z, NO₂, C(O)OH, C(O)—O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, C(O)NR⁴R⁵, NR⁴R⁵ and (CH₂)_(n)—Z; or,

[0028] J and K, taken together with the nitrogen and carbon atom to which they are respectively bound, form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring, optionally containing up to 3 additional heteroatoms selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂, wherein 1 to 4 hydrogen atoms in said heterocyclic ring are optionally and independently replaced with (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, oxo, hydroxyl or Z; and wherein any —CH₂— group in said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl substituent is optionally and independently replaced by —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O₂)—, ═N—, —N═, or —N(R³)—; and wherein said heterocyclic ring is optionally fused with E;

[0029] G, when present, is —S(O)₂—, —C(O)—, —S (O)₂—Y—, —C(O)—Y—, —C(O)—C(O)—, or —C(O)—C(O)—Y—;

[0030] Y is oxygen, or N(R⁶);

[0031] wherein R⁶ is hydrogen, E, (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₃-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl; or wherein R⁶ and D are taken together with the atoms to which they are bound to form a 5 to 7 membered ring system wherein said ring optionally contains 1 to 3 additional heteroatoms independently selected from O, S, N, N(R³), SO, or SO₂; and wherein said ring is optionally benzofused;

[0032] D is hydrogen, (C₁-C₇)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₇)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, (C₅-C₇)-cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl optionally substituted with (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl or (C₂-C₇)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, [(C₁-C₇)-alkyl]-E, [(C₂-C₇)-alkenyl or alkynyl]-E, or E;

[0033] wherein 1 to 2 of the CH₂ groups of said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl chains in D is optionally replaced by —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O₂)—, ═N—, —N═, or —N(R³);

[0034] provided that when J is hydrogen or G is selected from —S(O)₂—, C(O)C(O)—, SO₂—Y, C(O)—Y, or C(O)C(O)—Y, wherein Y is O; then D is not hydrogen; and

[0035] x is 0 or 1.

[0036] In another embodiment, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I). These compositions may be utilized in methods treating various neurological diseases which are influenced by neuronal regeneration and axon growth or for stimulating neuronal regeneration in an ex vivo nerve cell. Examples of such diseases include peripheral nerve destruction due to physical injury or diseases such as diabetes; physical injuries to the central nervous system (e.g., brain or spinal cord); stroke; neurological disturbances due to nerve degeneration, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amylotrophic lateral sclerosis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The invention provides compounds of formula (I):

[0038] and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, wherein:

[0039] X is selected from —CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —C(OH)CH₂—, —CH₂C(OH)—, ═C(F)CH₂—, —C(F)═CH₂—, —NHC(O)—, —P(O)(OH)CH₂—, —CH₂S(O)₂—, —C(S)NR¹—, —C(O)CH₂CH(OH)—, —C(OH)CF₂—, —C(O)CF₂—, —CH(F)CH₂—, —C(F)₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH(F)—, —CH₂C(F)₂—,

[0040] A, B and R¹ are independently E, (C₁-C₁₀)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, or (C₅-C₇)-cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl; wherein 1 or 2 hydrogen atoms in said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl are optionally and independently replaced with E, (C₅-C₇)-cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl; and wherein 1 to 2 of the —CH₂— groups in said alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl groups is optionally and independently replaced by —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, ═N—, —N═ or —N(R³)—;

[0041] or, B and R¹ are independently hydrogen;

[0042] R³ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₄)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₃-C₄)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, or (C₁-C₄) bridging alkyl, wherein a bridge is formed between the nitrogen atom to which said R³ is bound and any carbon atom of said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl to form a ring, and wherein said ring is optionally benzofused;

[0043] E is a saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, or aromatic monocyclic or bicyclic ring system, wherein each ring comprises 5 to 7 ring atoms independently selected from C, N, N (R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; and wherein no more than 4 ring atoms are selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂;

[0044] wherein 1 to 4 hydrogen atoms in E are optionally and independently replaced with halogen, hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl, nitro, SO₃H, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl, O—[(C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl], O—[(C₃-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl], (CH₂)_(n)—N(R⁴)(R⁵), (CH₂)_(n)—NH(R⁴)—(CH₂)_(n)—Z, (CH₂)_(n)—N(R⁴—(CH₂)_(n)—Z)(R⁵—(CH₂)_(n)—Z), (CH₂)_(n)—Z, O—(CH₂)_(n)—Z, (CH₂)_(n)—O—Z, S—(CH₂)_(n)—Z, CH═CH—Z, 1,2-methylenedioxy, C(O)OH, C(O)O—[(C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl], C(O)O—(CH₂)_(n)—Z or C(O)—N(R⁴)(R⁵);

[0045] each of R⁴ and R⁵ are independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₃-C₅)-straight or branched alkenyl, or wherein R⁴ and R⁵, when bound to the same nitrogen atom, are taken together with the nitrogen atom to form a 5 or 6 membered ring, wherein said ring optionally contains 1 to 3 additional heteroatoms independently selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; wherein said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups in R₄ and R₅ are optionally substituted with Z.

[0046] each n is independently 0 to 4;

[0047] each Z is independently selected from a saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, monocyclic or bicyclic ring system, wherein each ring comprises 5 to 7 ring atoms independently selected from C, N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; and wherein no more than 4 ring atoms are selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂;

[0048] wherein 1 to 4 hydrogen atoms in Z are optionally and independently replaced with halo, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, C(O)OH, (C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl, O—(C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl, C(O)O—[(C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl], amino, NH[(C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl], or N—[(C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl]₂;

[0049] J is H, methyl, ethyl or benzyl;

[0050] K and K¹ are independently selected from (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, or cyclohexylmethyl, wherein 1 to 2 hydrogen atoms in said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl is optionally and independently replaced with E;

[0051] wherein K and K¹ are independently and optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents selected from halogen, OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, O—(CH₂)n-Z, NO₂, C(O)OH, C(O)—O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, C(O)NR⁴R⁵, NR⁴R⁵ and (CH₂)_(n)—Z; or,

[0052] J and K, taken together with the nitrogen and carbon atom to which they are respectively bound, form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring, optionally containing up to 3 additional heteroatoms selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)_(2,) wherein 1 to 4 hydrogen atoms in said heterocyclic ring are optionally and independently replaced with (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, oxo, hydroxyl or Z; and wherein any —CH₂— group in said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl substituent is optionally and independently replaced by —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O₂)—, ═N—, —N═, or —N(R³)—; and wherein said heterocyclic ring is optionally fused with E;

[0053] G, when present, is —S(O)₂—, —C(O)—, —S(O)₂—Y—, —C(O)—Y—, —C(O)—C(O)—, or —C(O)—C(O)—Y—;

[0054] Y is oxygen, or N(R⁶);

[0055] wherein R⁶ is hydrogen, E, (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₃-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl; or wherein R⁶ and D are taken together with the atoms to which they are bound to form a 5 to 7 membered ring system wherein said ring optionally contains 1 to 3 additional heteroatoms independently selected from O, S, N, N(R³), SO, or SO₂; and wherein said ring is optionally benzofused;

[0056] D is hydrogen, (C₁-C₇)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₇)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, (C₅-C₇)-cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl optionally substituted with (C_(l)-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl or (C₂-C₇)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, [(C₁-C₇)-alkyl]-E, [(C₂-C₇)-alkenyl or alkynyl]-E, or E;

[0057] wherein 1 to 2 of the CH₂ groups of said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl chains in D is optionally replaced by —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O₂)—, ═N—, —N═, or —N(R³);

[0058] provided that when J is hydrogen or G is selected from —S (O)₂—, C(O)C(O)SO₂—Y, C(O)—Y, or C(O)C(O)—Y, wherein Y is O; then D is not hydrogen; and

[0059] x is 0 or 1.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, each of A and B in formula (I) is (C₁-C₁₀) straight or branched alkyl, wherein 1-2 hydrogen atoms in said alkyl are optionally substituted with E.

[0061] In another preferred embodiment, B is hydrogen.

[0062] According to another preferred embodiment, each of A and B in formula (I) is —CH₂—CH₂—E or —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—E.

[0063] According to another preferred embodiment, D in formula (I) is (C₁-C₇) straight or branched alkyl, E or [(C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl]-E.

[0064] According to a more preferred embodiment, D is an aromatic monocyclic or bicyclic ring system, wherein each ring comprises 5-7 ring atoms independently selected from C, N, O or S, and wherein no more than 4 ring atoms are selected from N, O or S.

[0065] According to an even more preferred embodiment, D is phenyl or C₁-C₇straight or branched alkyl group.

[0066] According to another preferred embodiment, E in formula (I) is a monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic ring system, wherein said ring comprises 5-7 ring atoms independently selected from C, N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂, and wherein 1 to 4 ring atoms are independently selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂.

[0067] Preferred embodiments of E include phenyl, napthyl, indenyl, azulenyl, fluorenyl, anthracenyl, furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, isothiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, 1,3,5-trazinyl, 1,3,5-trithianyl, benzo[b]furanyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, purinyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, isoxazolyl, triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, indolinyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiophenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, 1,8-naphthyridinyl, pteridinyl, carbazolyl, acridinyl, phnazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl and benzothiazolyl, wherein E is optionally substituted as described above.

[0068] More preferred embodiments of E include phenyl, furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiophenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, and benzothiazolyl, wherein E is optionally substituted as described above.

[0069] According to another preferred embodiment, J is H, methyl, ethyl or benzyl; and

[0070] K is selected from (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, or cyclohexylmethyl, wherein 1 to 2 hydrogen atoms in said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl is optionally and independently replaced with E.

[0071] According to another preferred embodiment, J and K, taken together with the nitrogen atom, form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring, optionally containing up to 3 additional heteroatoms selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂, wherein 1 to 4 hydrogen atoms in said heterocyclic ring are optionally and independently replaced with (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, oxo, hydroxyl or Z; and wherein any —CH₂— group said heterocyclic ring is optionally and independently replaced by —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S (O₂)—, ═N—, —N═, or —N(R³)—; and wherein said heterocyclic ring is optionally fused with E.

[0072] According to yet another preferred embodiment, X is selected from —CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —C(OH)CH₂—, —CH₂C(OH)—, —C(F)═CH₂—, —CH₂S(O)₂—, —C(S)NR¹—, —C(O)CH₂CH(OH)—, —C(OH)CF₂—, —C(O)CF₂—, —CH(F)CH₂—, —C(F)₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH(F)—, —CH₂C(F)₂—, or

[0073] The compounds of formula (I) may be stereoisomers, geometric isomers or stable tautomers. The invention envisions all possible isomers, such as E and Z isomers, S and R enantiomers, diastereoisomers, racemates, and mixtures of those. It is preferred that the substituent in the 2 position have the S configuration.

[0074] The compounds of the present invention may be readily prepared using known synthetic methods. For synthetic methods for the preparation of X, which are amide bond bioisosteres see: “Peptidomimetics Protocols” in Methods on Molecular Medicine, Vol 30, 1999, Humana Press, Totowa New Jersey, Kazmierski, W. M., Ed.

[0075] Examples of synthetic schemes that may be used to produce the compounds of this invention are set forth in Schemes 1 through 6 below.

[0076] a=p-toluenesulfonyl chloride; diisopropylethylamine and CH₂Cl₂; b=NaI and acetone; followed by PPh3 and toluene; c=NaH, and THF; followed by

[0077] Pd/C, H₂ gas, and MeOH; e=HCl(g)/ethyl acetate or TFA/dichloromethane; followed by (CH₂)_(x)—Br, K₂CO₃ and DMF if (G)_(x)═(CH₂)_(x); or D—C(O)—Cl, diisopropylethylamine, and CH₂Cl₂ if (G)_(x)═—C(O), wherein X is 0 or 1.

[0078] HOBT, EDC, and CH₂Cl₂; b=Lawesson's reagent and toluene; c=HCl(g)/ethyl acetate or TFA/dichloromethane; followed by (CH₂)_(x)—Br, K₂CO₃ and DMF if (G)_(x)═(CH₂)_(x); or D—C(O)—Cl, diisopropylethylamine, and CH₂Cl₂ if (G)_(x)═—C(O), wherein X is 0 or 1. C(H₂)_(x)—Br, K₂CO₃ and DMF if (G)_(x)═(CH₂)_(x); or D—C(O)—Cl, diisopropylethylamine, and CH₂Cl₂ if (G)_(x)═—C(O), wherein X is 0 or 1.

[0079] a=H₂NNH₂.H₂O, and ethanol; b=NaNO₂, acetic acid, and H₂O; c=HCl(g)/ethyl acetate or TFA/dichloromethane; followed by (CH₂)_(x)—Br, K₂CO₃ and DMF if (G)_(x)═(CH₂)_(x); or D—C(O)—Cl, diisopropylethylamine, and CH₂Cl₂ if (G)_(x)═—C(O), wherein X is 0 or 1.

[0080] a=N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride, EDC, diisopropylethylamine, and CH₂Cl₂; b=3-(trimethylsilyl)propargyl magnesium bromide and THF; c=BU₄NF/THF; d=aryl halide (Br or I), (Ph₃P)₄Pd(O), Et₃N, and THF; e=5% Pd/C, H₂ (1 atm), and MeOH; f=Et₂N—SF₃, and CH₂Cl₂; g=NaBH₄, and MeOH, when X′═CH(OH) or DAST, and CH₂Cl₂, when X═CHF; h=HCl(g)/ethyl acetate or TFA/dichloromethane; followed by (CH₂)_(x)—Br, K₂CO₃ and DMF if (G)_(x)═(CH₂)_(x); or D—C(O)—Cl, diisopropylethylamine, and CH₂Cl₂ if (G)_(x)═—C(O), wherein x is 0 or 1; z=0 or 1; and X′═—C(O)—, —CH(OH)— or —CHF—.

[0081] a=NaH and THF; followed by aldehyde derivative; b=NBS, Bu₄NF/HF, and CH₂Cl₂; followed by KOtBu, and Et₂O; c=TMSI, and CH₃CN; followed by (CH₂)_(x)—Br, K₂CO₃ DMF if (G)_(x)═(CH₂)_(x); or D—C(O)—Cl, diisopropylethylamine, and CH₂Cl₂ if (G)_(x)═—C (Q), wherein x is 0 or 1.

[0082] a=N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride, EDC, diisopropylethylamine, and CH₂Cl₂;

[0083] and THF; c=Et₂N—SF₃, and CH₂Cl₂; d=NaBH₄, and MeOH, when X′═CH(OH), or DAST and CH₂Cl₂, when X═CHF; e=HCl(g)/ethyl acetate or TFA/dichloromethane; followed by (CH₂)_(x)—Br, K₂CO₃ and DMF if (G)_(x)═(CH₂)x; or D—C(O)—Cl, diisopropylethylamine, and CH₂Cl₂ if (G)_(x)═—C(O), wherein x is 0 or 1; z=0 or 1; and X′═—C(O)—, —CH(OH)— or —CHF—.

[0084] One of skill in the art will also be well aware of analogous synthetic methods for preparing compounds of formula (I).

[0085] According to another embodiment, this invention provides compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0086] Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers that may be used in these pharmaceutical compositions include, but are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water, salts or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-based substances, polyethylene glycol, sodium carboxy methylcellulose, polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, polyethylene glycol and wool fat.

[0087] In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is comprised of a compound of formula (I), a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a neurotrophic factor.

[0088] The term “neurotrophic factor,” as used herein, refers to compounds which are capable of stimulating growth or proliferation of nervous tissue. Numerous neurotrophic factors have been identified in the art and any of those factors may be utilized in the compositions of this invention. These neurotrophic factors include, but are not limited to, nerve growth factor (NGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and its active truncated derivatives such as gIGF-1 and Des(1-3)IGF-I, acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF and bFGF, respectively), platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factors (CNTF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3)and neurotrophin 4/5 (NT-4/5). The most preferred neurotrophic factor in the compositions of this invention is NGF.

[0089] As used herein, the described compounds used in the pharmaceutical compositions and methods of this invention, are defined to include pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof. A “pharmaceutically acceptable derivative” denotes any pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or salt of such ester, of a compound of this invention or any other compound which, upon administration to a patient, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) a compound of this invention, or a metabolite or residue thereof, characterized by the ability to promote repair or prevent damage of neurons from disease or physical trauma.

[0090] If pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the described compounds are used, those salts are preferably derived from inorganic or organic acids and bases. Included among such acid salts are the following: acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate, palmoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenyl-propionate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, succinate, tartrate, thiocyanate, tosylate and undecanoate. Base salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, such as sodium and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts, such as calcium and magnesium salts, salts with organic bases, such as dicyclohexylamine salts, N-methyl-D-glucamine, and salts with amino acids such as arginine, lysine, and so forth. Also, the basic nitrogen-containing groups can be quaternized with such agents as lower alkyl halides, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chloride, bromides and iodides; dialkyl sulfates, such as dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl and diamyl sulfates, long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides, aralkyl halides, such as benzyl and phenethyl bromides and others. Water or oil-soluble or dispersible products are thereby obtained.

[0091] The described compounds utilized in the compositions and methods of this invention may also be modified by appending appropriate functionalities to enhance selective biological properties. Such modifications are known in the art and include those which increase biological penetration into a given biological system (e.g., blood, lymphatic system, central nervous system), increase oral availability, increase solubility to allow administration by injection, alter metabolism and alter rate of excretion.

[0092] The compositions of the present invention may be administered orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir. The term “parenteral” as used herein includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intra-articular, intra-synovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intrahepatic, intralesional and intracranial injection or infusion techniques. Preferably, the compositions are administered orally, intraperitoneally or intravenously.

[0093] Sterile injectable forms of the compositions of this invention may be aqueous or oleaginous suspension. These suspensions may be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose, any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or di-glycerides. Fatty acids, such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives are useful in the preparation of injectables, as are natural pharmaceutically-acceptable oils, such as olive oil or castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated versions. These oil solutions or suspensions may also contain a long-chain alcohol diluent or dispersant, such as Ph. Helv or similar alcohol.

[0094] The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be orally administered in any orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to, capsules, tablets, aqueous suspensions or solutions. In the case of tablets for oral use, carriers which are commonly used include lactose and corn starch. Lubricating agents, such as magnesium stearate, are also typically added. For oral administration in a capsule form, useful diluents include lactose and dried corn starch. When aqueous suspensions are required for oral use, the active ingredient is combined with emulsifying and suspending agents. If desired, certain sweetening, flavoring or coloring agents may also be added.

[0095] Alternatively, the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration. These can be prepared by mixing the agent with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at room temperature but liquid at rectal temperature and therefore will melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials include cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethylene glycols.

[0096] The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also be administered topically, especially when the target of treatment includes areas or organs readily accessible by topical application, including diseases of the eye, the skin, or the lower intestinal tract. Suitable topical formulations are readily prepared for each of these areas or organs.

[0097] Topical application for the lower intestinal tract can be effected in a rectal suppository formulation (see above) or in a suitable enema formulation. Topically-transdermal patches may also be used.

[0098] For topical applications, the pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated in a suitable ointment containing the active component suspended or dissolved in one or more carriers. Carriers for topical administration of the compounds of this invention include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water. Alternatively, the pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated in a suitable lotion or cream containing the active components suspended or dissolved in one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Suitable carriers include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.

[0099] For ophthalmic use, the pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated as micronized suspensions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, or, preferably, as solutions in isotonic, pH adjusted sterile saline, either with our without a preservative such as benzylalkonium chloride. Alternatively, for ophthalmic uses, the pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated in an ointment such as petrolatum.

[0100] The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may also be administered by nasal aerosol or inhalation. Such compositions are prepared according to techniques well-known in the art of pharmaceutical formulation and may be prepared as solutions in saline, employing benzyl alcohol or other suitable preservatives, absorption promoters to enhance bioavailability, fluorocarbons, and/or other conventional solubilizing or dispersing agents.

[0101] The amount of both a described compound and the optional neurotrophic factor that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration. Preferably, the compositions should be formulated so that a dosage of between 0.01-100 mg/kg body weight/day of the described compound can be administered. If a neurotrophic factor is present in the composition, then a dosage of between 0.01 μg-100 mg/kg body weight/day of the neurotrophic factor can be administered to a patient receiving these compositions.

[0102] It should also be understood that a specific dosage and treatment regimen for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors, including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, and the judgment of the treating physician and the severity of the particular disease being treated. The amount of active ingredients will also depend upon the particular described compound and neurotrophic factor in the composition.

[0103] According to another embodiment, this invention provides methods for promoting repair or preventing neuronal damage or neurodegeneration in vivo or in an ex vivo nerve cell. Such methods comprise the step of treating nerve cells with any of the compounds described above. Preferably, this method promotes repair or prevents neuronal damage or neurodegeneration in a patient, and the compound is formulated into a composition additionally comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The amount of the compound utilized in these methods is between about 0.01 and 100 mg/kg body weight/day.

[0104] According to an alternate embodiment, the method of promoting repair or preventing neuronal damage or neurodegeneration comprises the additional step of treating nerve cells with a neurotrophic factor, such as those contained in the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention. This embodiment includes administering the compound and the neurotrophic agent in a single dosage form or in separate, multiple dosage forms. If separate dosage forms are utilized, they may be administered concurrently, consecutively or within less than about 5 hours of one another.

[0105] Preferably, the methods of this invention are used to stimulate axonal growth in nerve cells. The compounds are, therefore, suitable for treating or preventing neuronal damage caused by a wide variety of diseases or physical traumas. These include, but are not limited to, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS, Huntington's disease, Tourette's syndrome, stroke and ischemia associated with stroke, neural paropathy, other neural degenerative diseases, motor neuron diseases, sciatic crush, spinal cord injuries and facial nerve crush.

[0106] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the method is used to treat a patient suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, glosspharyngeal neuralgia, Bell's Palsy, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, muscle injury, progressive muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar inherited muscular atrophy, herniated, ruptured, or prolapsed invertebrae disk syndrome's, cervical spondylosis, plexus disorders, thoracic outlet destruction syndromes, peripheral neuropathies, such as those caused by lead, dapsone, ticks, or porphyria, other peripheral myelin disorders, Alzheimer's disease, Gullain-Barre syndrome, Parkinson's disease and other Parkinsonian disorders, ALS, Tourette's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, other central myelin disorders, stroke and ischemia associated with stroke, neural paropathy, other neural degenerative diseases, motor neuron diseases, sciatic crush, neuropathy associated with diabetes, spinal cord injuries, facial nerve crush and other trauma, chemotherapy- and other medication-induced neuropathies, and Huntington's disease.

[0107] More preferably, the compositions of the present invention are used for treating Parkinson's disease, amylotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, neuralgias, muscular atrophies, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

[0108] For use of the compounds according to the invention as medications, they are administered in the form of a pharmaceutical preparation containing not only the active ingredient but also carriers, auxiliary substances, and/or additives suitable for enteric or parenteral administration. Administration can be oral or sublingual as a solid in the form of capsules or tablets, as a liquid in the form of solutions, suspensions, elixirs, aerosols or emulsions, or rectal in the form of suppositories, or in the form of solutions for injection which can be given subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously, or which can be given topically or intrathecally. Auxiliary substances for the desired medicinal formulation include the inert organic and inorganic carriers known to those skilled in the art, such as water, gelatin, gum arabic, lactose, starches, magnesium stearate, talc, vegetable oils, polyalkylene glycols, etc. The medicinal formulations may also contain preservatives, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, or salts to change the osmotic pressure or as buffers.

[0109] Solutions or suspensions for injection are suitable for parenteral administration, and especially aqueous solutions of the active compounds in polyhydroxy-ethoxylated castor oil.

[0110] Surface-active auxiliary substances such as salts of gallic acid, animal or vegetable phospholipids, or mixtures of them, and liposomes or their components, can be used as carrier systems.

[0111] The neurotrophic effect of the compounds of formula (I) of the present invention and their physiologically acceptable salts can be determined by the methods of W. E. Lyons et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, Vol. 91, pp. 3191-3195 (1994) and W. E. Lyons et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, Vol. 91, pages 3191-3195 (1994), the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0112] In order that this invention be more fully understood, the following examples are set forth. These examples are for the purpose of illustration only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

EXAMPLE 1 Compounds 100-295

[0113] Compounds 101-296 are synthesized via the method set forth in Scheme 1, above. In all of the examples, “Ph” is phenyl.

[0114] Compounds 100-148 have the formula:

[0115] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd #

—(G)_(x)—D 100

—CH₃ 101 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 102 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 103 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 104 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 105 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 106 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 107

—CH₃ 108 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 109 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 110 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 111 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 112 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 113 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 114

—CH₃ 115 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 116 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 117 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 118 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 119 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 120 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 121

—CH₃ 122 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 123 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 124 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 125 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 126 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 127 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 128

—CH₃ 129 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 130 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 131 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 132 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 133 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 134 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 135

—CH₃ 136 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 137 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 138 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 139 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 140 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 141 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 142

—CH₃ 143 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 144 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 145 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 146 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 147 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 148 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph

[0116] Compounds 149-197 have the formula:

[0117] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd #

—(G)_(x)—D 149

—CH₃ 150 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 151 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 152 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 153 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 154 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 155 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 156

—CH₃ 157 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 158 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 159 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 160 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 161 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 162 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 163

—CH₃ 164 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 165 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 166 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 167 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 168 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 169 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 170

—CH₃ 171 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 172 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 173 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 174 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 175 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 176 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 177

—CH₃ 178 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 179 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 180 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 181 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 182 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 183 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 184

—CH₃ 185 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 186 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 187 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 188 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 189 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 190 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 191

—CH₃ 192 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 193 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 194 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 195 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 196 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 197 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph

[0118] Compounds 198-246 have the formula:

[0119] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd #

—(G)_(x)—D 198

—CH₃ 199 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 200 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 201 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 202 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 203 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 204 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 205

—CH₃ 206 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 207 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 208 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 209 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 210 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 211 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 212

—CH₃ 213 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 214 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 215 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 216 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 217 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 218 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 219

—CH₃ 220 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 221 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 222 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 223 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 224 Same as above 225 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 226

—CH₃ 227 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 228 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 229 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 230 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 231 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 232 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 233

—CH₃ 234 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 235 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 236 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 237 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 238 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 239 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 240

—CH₃ 241 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 242 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 243 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 244 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 245 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 246 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph

[0120] Compounds 247-295 have the formula:

[0121] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd #

—(G)_(x)—D 247

—CH₃ 248 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 249 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 250 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 251 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 252 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 253 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 254

—CH₃ 255 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 256 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 257 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 258 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 259 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 260 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 261

—CH₃ 262 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 263 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 264 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 265 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 266 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 267 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 268

—CH₃ 269 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 270 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 271 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 272 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 273 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 274 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 275

—CH₃ 276 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 277 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 278 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 279 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 280 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 281 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 282

—CH₃ 283 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 284 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 285 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 286 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 287 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 288 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 289

—CH₃ 290 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 291 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 292 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 293 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 294 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 295 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph

EXAMPLE 2 Compounds 296-519

[0122] Compounds 296-519 are synthesized via the method set forth in Scheme 2, above.

[0123] Compounds 296-407 have the formula:

[0124] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd #

R¹ —(G)_(x)—D 296

H —CH₃ 297 Same as above H —CH₂CH₃ 298 Same as above H —C(═O)—CH₃ 299 Same as above H —CH₂—Ph 300 Same as above H —C(═O)—Ph 301 Same as above H —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 302 Same as above H —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 303 Same as above CH₃ —CH₃ 304 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 305 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 306 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 307 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 308 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 309 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 310 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₃ 311 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 312 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 313 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 314 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 315 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 316 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 317 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₃ 318 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂CH₃ 319 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—CH₃ 320 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂—Ph 321 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—Ph 322 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 323 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 324

H —CH₃ 325 Same as above H —CH₂CH₃ 326 Same as above H —C(═O)—CH₃ 327 Same as above H —CH₂—Ph 328 Same as above H —C(═O)—Ph 329 Same as above H —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 330 Same as above H —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 331 Same as above CH₃ —CH₃ 332 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 333 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 334 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 335 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 336 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 337 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 338 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₃ 339 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 340 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 341 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 342 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 343 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 344 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 345 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₃ 346 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂CH₃ 347 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—CH₃ 348 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂—Ph 349 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—Ph 350 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 351 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 352

H —CH₃ 353 Same as above H —CH₂CH₃ 354 Same as above H —C(═O)—CH₃ 355 Same as above H —CH₂—Ph 356 Same as above H —C(═O)—Ph 357 Same as above H —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 358 Same as above H —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 359 Same as above CH₃ —CH₃ 360 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 361 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 362 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 363 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 364 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 365 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 366 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₃ 367 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 368 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 369 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 370 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 371 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 372 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 373 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₃ 374 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂CH₃ 375 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—CH₃ 376 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂—Ph 377 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—Ph 378 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 379 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 380

H —CH₃ 381 Same as above H —CH₂CH₃ 382 Same as above H —C(═O)—CH₃ 383 Same as above H —CH₂—Ph 384 Same as above H —C(═O)—Ph 385 Same as above H —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 386 Same as above H —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 387 Same as above CH₃ —CH₃ 388 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 389 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 390 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 391 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 392 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 393 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 394 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₃ 395 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 396 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 397 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 398 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 399 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 400 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 401 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₃ 402 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂CH₃ 403 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—CH₃ 404 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂—Ph 405 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—Ph 406 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 407 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph

[0125] Compounds 408-519 have the formula:

[0126] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd #

R¹ —(G)_(x)—D 408

H —CH₃ 409 Same as above H —CH₂CH₃ 410 Same as above H —C(═O)—CH₃ 411 Same as above H —CH₂—Ph 412 Same as above H —C(═O)—Ph 413 Same as above H —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 414 Same as above H —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 415 Same as above CH₃ —CH₃ 416 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 417 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 418 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 419 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 420 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 421 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 422 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₃ 423 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 424 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 425 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 426 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 427 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 428 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 429 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₃ 430 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂CH₃ 431 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—CH₃ 432 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂—Ph 433 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—Ph 434 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 435 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 436

H —CH₃ 437 Same as above H —CH₂CH₃ 438 Same as above H —C(═O)—CH₃ 439 Same as above H —CH₂—Ph 440 Same as above H —C(═O)—Ph 441 Same as above H —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 442 Same as above H —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 443 Same as above CH₃ —CH₃ 444 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 445 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 446 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 447 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 448 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 449 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 450 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₃ 451 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 452 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 453 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 454 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 455 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 456 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 457 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₃ 458 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂CH₃ 459 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—CH₃ 460 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂—Ph 461 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—Ph 462 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 463 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 464

H —CH₃ 465 Same as above H —CH₂CH₃ 466 Same as above H —C(═O)—CH₃ 467 Same as above H —CH₂—Ph 468 Same as above H —C(═O)—Ph 469 Same as above H —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 470 Same as above H —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 471 Same as above CH₃ —CH₃ 472 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 473 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 474 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 475 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 476 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 477 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 478 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₃ 479 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 480 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 481 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 482 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 483 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 484 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 485 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₃ 486 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂CH₃ 487 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—CH₃ 488 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂—Ph 489 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—Ph 490 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 491 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 492

H —CH₃ 493 Same as above H —CH₂CH₃ 494 Same as above H —C(═O)—CH₃ 495 Same as above H —CH₂—Ph 496 Same as above H —C(═O)—Ph 497 Same as above H —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 498 Same as above H —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 499 Same as above CH₃ —CH₃ 500 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 501 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 502 Same as above CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 503 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 504 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 505 Same as above CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 506 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₃ 507 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂CH₃ 508 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—CH₃ 509 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —CH₂—Ph 510 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—Ph 511 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 512 Same as above CH₂CH₃ —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 513 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₃ 514 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂CH₃ 515 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—CH₃ 516 Same as above CH₂Ph —CH₂—Ph 517 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—Ph 518 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 519 Same as above CH₂Ph —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph

EXAMPLE 3 Compounds 520-561

[0127] Compounds 520-561 are synthesized via the method set forth in Scheme 3, above.

[0128] Compounds 520-540 have the formula:

[0129] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd #

—(G)_(x)—D 520

—CH₃ 521 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 522 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 523 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 524 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 525 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 526 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 527

—CH₃ 528 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 529 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 530 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 531 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 532 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 533 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 534

—CH₃ 535 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 536 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 537 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 538 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 539 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 540 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph

[0130] Compounds 541-561 have the formula:

[0131] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd #

—(G)_(x)—D 541

—CH₃ 542 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 543 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 544 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 545 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 546 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 547 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 548

—CH₃ 549 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 550 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 551 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 552 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 553 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 554 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 555

—CH₃ 556 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 557 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 558 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 559 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 560 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 561 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph

EXAMPLE 4 Compounds 562-771

[0132] Compounds 562-771 are synthesized via the method set forth in Scheme 4 or Scheme 6, above.

[0133] Compounds 562-596 have the formula:

[0134] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd # A —(G)_(x)—D 562

—CH₃ 563 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 564 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 565 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 566 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 567 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 568 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 569

—CH₃ 570 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 571 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 572 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 573 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 574 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 575 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 576

—CH₃ 577 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 578 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 579 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 580 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 581 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 582 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 583

—CH₃ 584 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 585 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 586 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 587 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 588 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 589 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 590

—CH₃ 591 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 592 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 593 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 594 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 595 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 596 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph

[0135] Compounds 597-631 have the formula:

[0136] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd # A —(G)_(x)—D 597

—CH₃ 598 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 599 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 600 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 601 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 602 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 603 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 604

—CH₃ 605 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 606 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 607 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 608 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 609 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 610 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 611

—CH₃ 612 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 613 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 614 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 615 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 616 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 617 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 618

—CH₃ 619 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 620 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 621 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 622 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 623 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 624 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph 625

—CH₃ 626 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 627 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 628 Same as above —CH₂—Ph 629 Same as above —C(═O)—Ph 630 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph 631 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph

[0137] Compounds 632-666 have the formula:

[0138] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd # A —(G)_(x)—D 632

—CH₃ 633 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 634 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 635 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 636 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 637 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 638 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 639

—CH₃ 640 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 641 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 642 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 643 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 644 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 645 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 646

—CH₃ 647 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 648 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 649 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 650 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 651 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 652 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 653

—CH₃ 654 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 655 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 656 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 657 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 658 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 659 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 660

—CH₃ 661 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 662 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 663 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 664 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 665 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 666 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph

[0139] Compounds 667-701 have the formula:

[0140] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd # A —(G)_(x)—D 667

—CH₃ 668 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 669 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 670 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 671 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 672 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 673 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 674

—CH₃ 675 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 676 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 677 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 678 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 679 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 680 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 681

—CH₃ 682 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 683 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 684 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 685 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 686 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 687 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 688

—CH₃ 689 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 690 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 691 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 692 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 693 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 694 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 695

—CH₃ 696 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 697 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 698 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 699 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 700 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 701 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph

[0141] Compounds 702-736 have the formula:

[0142] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd # A —(G)_(x)—D 702

—CH₃ 703 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 704 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 705 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 706 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 707 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 708 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 709

—CH₃ 710 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 711 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 712 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 713 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 714 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 715 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 716

—CH₃ 717 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 718 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 719 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 720 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 721 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 722 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 723

—CH₃ 724 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 725 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 726 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 727 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 728 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 729 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 730

—CH₃ 731 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 732 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 733 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 734 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 735 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 736 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph

[0143] Compounds 737-771 have the formula:

[0144] with the individual variables defined in the table below. Cmpd # A —(G)_(x)—D 737

—CH₃ 738 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 739 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 740 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 741 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 742 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 743 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 744

—CH₃ 745 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 746 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 747 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 748 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 749 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 750 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 751

—CH₃ 752 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 753 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 754 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 755 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 756 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 757 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 758

—CH₃ 759 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 760 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 761 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 762 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 763 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 764 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 765

—CH₃ 766 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 767 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 768 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 769 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 770 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂Ph 771 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph

EXAMPLE 5 Compounds 772-967

[0145] Compounds 772- are synthesized via the method set forth in Scheme 5, above.

[0146] Compounds 772-820 have the formula:

[0147] with the individual variables defined in the table below Cmpd #

—(G)_(x)—D 772

—CH₃ 773 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 774 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 775 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 776 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 777 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 778 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 779

—CH₃ 780 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 781 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 782 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 783 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 784 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 785 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 786

—CH₃ 787 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 788 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 789 Same as above —CH₂Ph 790 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 791 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 792 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 793

—CH₃ 794 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 795 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 796 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 797 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 798 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 799 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 800

—CH₃ 801 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 802 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 803 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 804 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 805 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 806 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 807

—CH₃ 808 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 809 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 810 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 811 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 812 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 813 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 814

—CH₃ 815 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 816 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 817 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 818 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 819 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 820 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph

[0148] Compounds 821-869 have the formula:

[0149] with the individual variables defined in the table below Cmpd #

—(G)_(x)—D 821

—CH₃ 822 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 823 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 824 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 825 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 826 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 827 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 828

—CH₃ 829 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 830 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 831 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 832 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 833 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 834 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 835

—CH₃ 836 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 837 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 838 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 839 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 840 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 841 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 842

—CH₃ 843 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 844 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 845 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 846 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 847 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 848 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 849

—CH₃ 850 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 851 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 852 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 853 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 854 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 855 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 856

—CH₃ 857 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 858 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 859 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 860 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 861 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 862 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 863

—CH₃ 864 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 865 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 866 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 867 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 868 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 869 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph

[0150] Compounds 870-918 have the formula:

[0151] with the individual variables defined in the table below Cmpd #

—(G)_(x)—D 870

—CH₃ 871 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 872 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 873 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 874 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 875 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 876 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 877

—CH₃ 878 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 879 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 880 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 881 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 882 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 883 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 884

—CH₃ 885 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 886 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 887 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 888 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 889 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 890 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 891

—CH₃ 892 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 893 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 894 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 895 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 896 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 897 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 898

—CH₃ 899 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 900 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 901 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 902 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 903 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 904 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 905

—CH₃ 906 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 907 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 908 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 909 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 910 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 911 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 912

—CH₃ 913 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 914 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 915 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 916 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 917 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 918 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph

[0152] Compounds 919-967 have the formula:

[0153] with the individual variables defined in the table below Cmpd #

—(G)_(x)—D 919

—CH₃ 920 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 921 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 922 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 923 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 924 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 925 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 926

—CH₃ 927 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 928 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 929 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 930 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 931 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 932 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 933

—CH₃ 934 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 935 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 936 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 937 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 938 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 939 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 940

—CH₃ 941 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 942 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 943 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 944 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 945 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 946 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 947

—CH₃ 948 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 949 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 950 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 951 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 952 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 953 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 954

—CH₃ 955 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 956 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 957 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 958 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 959 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 960 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph 961

—CH₃ 962 Same as above —CH₂CH₃ 963 Same as above —C(═O)—CH₃ 964 Same as above —CH₂₋Ph 965 Same as above —C(═O)-Ph 966 Same as above —C(═O)—O—CH₂-Ph 967 Same as above —C(═O)—C(═O)-Ph

[0154] While we have described a number of embodiments of this invention, it is apparent that our basic constructions may be altered to provide other embodiments which utilize the products, processes and methods of this invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of this invention is to be defined by the appended claims, rather than by the specific embodiments which have been presented by way of example. 

1. A compound having formula (I):

and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, wherein: X is selected from —CH₂CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —C(OH)CH₂—, —CH₂C(OH)—, ═C(F)CH₂—, —C(F)═CH₂—, —NHC(O)—, —P(O)(OH)CH₂—, —CH₂SO₂—, —C(S)NR¹—, —C(O)CH₂CH(OH)—, —C(OH)CF₂—, —C(O)CF₂—, —CH(F)CH₂—, —C(F)₂CH₂—,

A, B and R¹ are independently E, (C₁-C₁₀)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, or (C₅-C₇)-cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl; wherein 1 or 2 hydrogen atoms in said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl are optionally and independently replaced with E, (C₅-C₇)-cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl; and wherein 1 to 2 of the —CH₂— groups in said alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl groups is optionally and independently replaced by —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, ═N—, —N═ or —N(R³)—; or, B and R¹ are independently hydrogen; R³ is hydrogen, (C₁-C₄)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₃-C₄)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, or (C₁-C₄) bridging alkyl, wherein a bridge is formed between the nitrogen atom to which said R³ is bound and any carbon atom of said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl to form a ring, and wherein said ring is optionally benzofused; E is a saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, or aromatic monocyclic or bicyclic ring system, wherein each ring comprises 5 to 7 ring atoms independently selected from C, N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; and wherein no more than 4 ring atoms are selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; wherein 1 to 4 hydrogen atoms in E are optionally and independently replaced with halogen, hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl, nitro, SO₃H, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl, O—[(C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl], O—[(C₃-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl], (CH₂)_(n)—N(R⁴)(R⁵), (CH₂)_(n)—NH(R⁴)—(CH₂)_(n)—Z, (CH₂)_(n)—N (R⁴—(CH₂)_(n)—Z)(R⁵—(CH₂)_(n)—Z), (CH₂)_(n)—Z, O—(CH₂)_(n)—Z, (CH₂)_(n)—O—Z, S—(CH₂)_(n)—Z, CH═CH—Z, 1,2-methylenedioxy, C(O)OH, C(O)O—[(C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl], C(O)O—(CH₂)_(n)—Z or C(O)—N (R⁴)(R⁵); each of R⁴ and R⁵ are independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₃-C₅)-straight or branched alkenyl, or wherein R⁴ and R⁵, when bound to the same nitrogen atom, are taken together with the nitrogen atom to form a 5 or 6 membered ring, wherein said ring optionally contains 1 to 3 additional heteroatoms independently selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; wherein said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups in R₄ and R₅ are optionally substituted with Z. each n is independently 0 to 4; each Z is independently selected from a saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, monocyclic or bicyclic ring system, wherein each ring comprises 5 to 7 ring atoms independently selected from C, N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; and wherein no more than 4 ring atoms are selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; wherein 1 to 4 hydrogen atoms in Z are optionally and independently replaced with halo, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, C(O)OH, (C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl, O—(C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl, C(O)O—[(C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl], amino, NH[(C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl], or N—[(C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl]₂; J is H, methyl, ethyl or benzyl; K and K¹ are independently selected from (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, or cyclohexylmethyl, wherein 1 to 2 hydrogen atoms in said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl is optionally and independently replaced with E; wherein K and K¹ are independently and optionally substituted with up to 3 substituents selected from halogen, OH, O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, O—(CH₂)n-Z, NO₂, C(O)OH, C(O)—O—(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, C(O)NR⁴R⁵, NR⁴R⁵ and (CH₂)_(n)—Z; or, J and K, taken together with the nitrogen and carbon atom to which they are respectively bound, form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring, optionally containing up to 3 additional heteroatoms selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂, wherein 1 to 4 hydrogen atoms in said heterocyclic ring are optionally and independently replaced with (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, oxo, hydroxyl or Z; and wherein any —CH₂— group in said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl substituent is optionally and independently replaced by —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O₂)—, ═N—, —N═, or —N(R³)—; and wherein said heterocyclic ring is optionally fused with E; G, when present, is —S(O)₂—, —C(O)—, —S(O)₂—Y—, —C(O)—Y—, —C(O)—C(O)—, or —C(O)—C(O)—Y—; Y is oxygen, or N(R⁶); wherein R⁶ is hydrogen, E, (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₃-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl; or wherein R⁶ and D are taken together with the atoms to which they are bound to form a 5 to 7 membered ring system wherein said ring optionally contains 1 to 3 additional heteroatoms independently selected from O, S, N, N(R³), SO, or SO₂; and wherein said ring is optionally benzofused; D is hydrogen, (C₁-C₇)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₇)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, (C₅-C₇)-cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl optionally substituted with (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl or (C₂-C₇)-straight or branched alkenyl or alkynyl, [(C₁-C₇)-alkyl]-E, [(C₂-C₇)-alkenyl or alkynyl]-E, or E; wherein 1 to 2 of the CH₂ groups of said alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl chains in D is optionally replaced by —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O₂)—, ═N—, —N═, or —N(R³); provided that when J is hydrogen or G is selected from —S(O)₂—, C(O)C(O)—, SO₂—Y, C(O)—Y, or C(O)C(O)—Y, wherein Y is O; then D is not hydrogen; and x is 0 or
 1. 2. The compound according to claim 1, wherein: each of A and B is independently selected from —CH₂—CH₂—E or —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—E; and E is a monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic ring system, wherein said ring comprises 5-7 ring atoms independently selected from C, N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂, and wherein 1 to 4 ring atoms are independently selected from N, N(R³)O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; wherein 1 to 4 hydrogen atoms in E are optionally and independently replaced with halogen, hydroxyl, hydroxymethyl, nitro, SO₃H, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, (C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl, (C₂-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl, O—[(C₁-C₆)-straight or branched alkyl], O—[(C₃-C₆)-straight or branched alkenyl], (CH₂)_(n)—N(R⁴)(R⁵), (CH₂)_(n)—NH(R⁴)—(CH₂)_(n)—Z, (CH₂)_(n)—N(R⁴—(CH₂)_(n)—Z)(R⁵—(CH₂)_(n)—Z), (CH₂)_(n)—Z, O—(CH₂)_(n)—Z, (CH₂)_(n)—O—Z, S—(CH₂)_(n)—Z, CH═CH—Z, 1,2-methylenedioxy, C(O)OH, or C(O)—N(R⁴)(R⁵).
 3. The compound according to claim 1 or 2, wherein D is an aromatic monocyclic or bicyclic ring system, wherein each ring comprises 5 to 7 ring atoms independently selected from C, N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; and wherein no more than 4 ring atoms are selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂.
 4. The compound according to claim 3, wherein: D is phenyl; and x is
 1. 5. The compound according to claim 4, wherein G is —C(O)C(O)—.
 6. The compound according to claim 4, wherein G is —SO₂—.
 7. The compound according to claim 4, wherein G is —C(O)—.
 8. The compound according to claim 4, wherein G is —C(O)Y—.
 9. The compound according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: x is 0; D is selected from (C₁-C₅)-straight or branched alkyl, or [(C₁-C₃)-straight or branched alkyl)]-E; and E is an aromatic monocyclic or bicyclic ring system, wherein in said ring system each ring comprises 5 to 7 ring atoms independently selected from C, N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂; and wherein no more than 4 ring atoms are selected from N, N(R³), O, S, S(O), or S(O)₂.
 10. The compound according to claim 9, wherein E is phenyl.
 11. The compound according to claim 2, wherein each of A and B is independently selected from —CH₂—CH₂—E or —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—E; and E is pyridyl.
 12. A composition comprising a compound according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically effective carrier.
 13. The composition according to claim 12, further comprising a neurotrophic factor.
 14. The composition according to claim 13, wherein said neurotrophic factor is selected from nerve growth factor (NGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and its active truncated derivatives such as gIGF-1 and Des(1-3)IGF-I, acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF and bFGF, respectively), platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factors (CNTF), glial cell line-derived-neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3)and neurotrophin 4/5 (NT-4/5).
 15. The composition according to claim 14, wherein said neurotrophic factor is nerve growth factor (NGF).
 16. A method for stimulating neuronal regeneration or preventing neurodegeneration in a patient or in an ex vivo nerve cell, comprising the step of administering to said patient or said nerve cell a compound according to any one of claims 1-12.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said compound is administered to a patient and is formulated together with a pharmaceutically suitable carrier into a pharmaceutically acceptable composition.
 18. The method according to claim 17, comprising the additional step of administering to said patient a neurotrophic factor either as part of a multiple dosage form together with said compound or as a separate dosage form.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said neurotrophic factor is selected from nerve growth factor (NGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and its active truncated derivatives such as gIGF-1 and Des(1-3)IGF-I, acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF and bFGF, respectively), platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factors (CNTF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3)and neurotrophin 4/5 (NT-4/5).
 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein said neurotrophic factor is nerve growth factor (NGF).
 21. The method according to claim 16, wherein said method is used to treat a patient suffering from a disease selected from trigeminal neuralgia, glosspharyngeal neuralgia, Bell's Palsy, myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, muscle injury, progressive muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar inherited muscular atrophy, herniated, ruptured, or prolapsed invertebrae disk syndrome's, cervical spondylosis, plexus disorders, thoracic outlet destruction syndromes, peripheral neuropathies, such as those caused by lead, dapsone, ticks, or porphyria, other peripheral myelin disorders, Alzheimer's disease, Gullain-Barre syndrome, Parkinson's disease and other Parkinsonian disorders, ALS, Tourette's syndrome, multiple sclerosis, other central myelin disorders, stroke and ischemia associated with stroke, neural paropathy, other neural degenerative diseases, motor neuron diseases, sciatic crush, neuropathy associated with diabetes, spinal cord injuries, facial nerve crush and other trauma, chemotherapy- and other medication-induced neuropathies, and Huntington's disease.
 22. The method according to claim 16, wherein said method is used to stimulate neuronal regeneration in an ex vivo nerve cell.
 23. The method according to claim 22, comprising the additional step of contacting said ex vivo nerve cell with a neurotrophic factor.
 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein said neurotrophic factor is selected from nerve growth factor (NGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and its active truncated derivatives such as gIGF-1 and Des(1-3)IGF-I, acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF and bFGF, respectively), platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factors (CNTF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3)and neurotrophin 4/5 (NT-4/5).
 25. The method according to claim 24, wherein said neurotrophic factor is nerve growth factor (NGF).
 26. The compound according to claim 1, wherein: —(G)_(X)—D is selected from —CH₃, —CH₂CH₃, —C(═O)—CH₃, —CH₂—Ph, —C(═O)—Ph, —C(═O)—O—CH₂—Ph or —C(═O)—C(═O)—Ph, wherein Ph is phenyl; and 